Chapter 1 - Same Time Next New Year's
By Lorissa Padilla
Unknown: Hey! We’re meeting at 11 tonight at the phone booth on 32nd, right?
Joanna: Think you have the wrong number.
Unknown: Haha.
Joanna: Seriously, wrong number!
Unknown: So you’re saying you’re not the woman Ben is setting me up with?
Joanna: I don’t know a Ben.
Unknown: This is totally something Ben would put you up to.
Joanna: I swear.
Unknown: Ben always swears.
Joanna: (sends smiling selfie)
Unknown: …
Unknown: Do YOU wanna meet at the phone booth on 32nd?
Joanna: Haha, no thanks.
Unknown: Had to shoot my shot.
Joanna: Understood.
Unknown: Sorry to bother you!
Joanna: No worries. It’s been a rough few weeks. This actually made me feel a bit better.
Unknown: Sorry it’s been a rough few weeks!
Joanna: Haha, thank you.
Unknown: Good thing there’s a new year coming!
Joanna: True, hopefully this one is better than this last one!
Unknown: Claiming it for you now—it will be.
Joanna: Thank you, stranger.
Unknown: Seriously though, sorry to bother you!
Joanna: Not a bother. Thanks for making me smile.
Unknown: Then I take back my sorry! Glad I made you smile.
Joanna: Good luck with whoever you’re meeting tonight! Hope it goes well.
Unknown: Ha, thank you.
Joanna: Happy New Year, stranger.
Unknown: Happy New Year, stranger :)